OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Potential Herpes Infection

I'm a 25-year-old woman who recently had a sexual encounter involving oral sex with a man, followed by unprotected vaginal intercourse. Shortly after, I began experiencing a sore throat with visibly swollen tonsils and white patches, which appeared about two days post-encounter. On September 8th, four days later, I underwent testing and was diagnosed with pharyngeal gonorrhea, although all other test results came back negative at that moment. The earliest appointment available for treatment is set for September 15th. During the phone call regarding my appointment, I expressed my fears that the infection might have spread to the vaginal area, particularly since I engaged in oral followed by vaginal intercourse. I also questioned the accuracy of the urine test, given the short timeframe post-encounter. They reassured me that the prescribed antibiotics would address any infections present at both sites following treatment. Notably, I was on my menstrual cycle at the time of testing, so swabs weren’t performed, and I had no vaginal symptoms then. I informed my partner about my health concerns, and he indicated he would also get tested. He confessed to having HSV-1 but claimed he was not contagious, as he currently had no cold sores. Lacking knowledge on the subject, I accepted his explanation. Initially, I speculated that my vaginal irritation might stem from the gonorrhea or could simply be tears from the rough intercourse we had. However, as the pain intensified and I noticed more raw areas, I began to research possible causes, which led me to suspect it could be herpes. About four to five days after our encounter, I noticed symptoms resembling HSV: a singular raw area on my labia and a cut-like tear at my vaginal opening, both of which stung during urination. These spots later multiplied into smaller raw areas that spread towards my anus. Since the day after our sexual activity on September 6th, I had been feeling extremely unwell, starting with my tonsils, which were swabbed during testing, revealing the gonorrhea. Alongside this, I experienced chills, a mild fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and chest discomfort. From my research, I learned that herpes could indeed present with similar symptoms. I’m scheduled for a swab test tomorrow and am eager to hear opinions regarding my chances of contracting herpes from this sexual encounter, as it fits within the 2-12 day period for symptom onset. I'm also curious about whether the symptoms could relate to gonorrhea, as my findings have been inconsistent, and my doctor isn't available for discussion until tomorrow. I’ve read about disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which seems quite serious, but I understand that the associated rash does not typically appear on the vagina. I've attempted to share a photo illustrating my symptoms but couldn’t upload it here. I did share it on the r/herpesgenital subreddit, which might be viewable through my account details. I'm feeling very anxious about the situation; I usually practice safe sex and I'm regretful about being naive regarding the risks associated with oral sex. Any thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help!

Answers (1)

9/15/2025, 1:31:09 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of anxiety and uncertainty regarding your recent symptoms and sexual health. It's important to acknowledge your feelings and concerns, as navigating sexual health issues can be stressful.

Main Points:

You have a recent diagnosis of pharyngeal gonorrhea and are experiencing symptoms that could suggest either a worsening of gonorrhea or a potential herpes infection. Since you have a swab test scheduled soon, it will be essential to get those results for more clarity.

Explanation:

Gonorrhea can cause throat and genital symptoms, and it’s possible to have more than one infection simultaneously, especially given the nature of your sexual encounter. Herpes, particularly HSV-1, can also cause sores in the vaginal area and may present with flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and muscle aches. It’s crucial to recognize that both infections can have overlapping symptoms, which can make it challenging to determine the exact cause without testing.

Next Steps:

1. Await Test Results: Since you have a swab test scheduled, it’s important to wait for those results. They will provide crucial information on whether you have herpes or if your symptoms are related solely to gonorrhea.

2. Manage Symptoms: In the meantime, focus on managing any discomfort:

   • Use a sitz bath with warm water to soothe any irritation.
   • Avoid any irritants such as soaps or products that could aggravate your symptoms.
   • Stay well-hydrated and consider over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with fever and discomfort.

3. Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene, especially in the genital area, and avoid any sexual activity until you have clear results and appropriate treatment to reduce the risk of transmitting infections.

4. Discuss with Your Partner: Since your partner has HSV-1, discuss the situation with him openly. Even without visible sores, he can still transmit the virus. You might also encourage him to see a healthcare provider for testing.

5. Follow-Up Care: After receiving the test results, make sure to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options and any further actions based on your diagnosis.

Remember, you are not alone in this situation, and there are effective treatments available for both gonorrhea and herpes. Take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek support or clarity from a healthcare professional regarding any lingering questions or concerns.